Would-be thief jailed after residents call police

A would-be thief was caught by police after suspicious residents raised the alarm.

James Doran, aged 33, was stopped by police in the early hours of Monday morning (13 March) after a suspect was reported to be trying the handles of parked cars in Portland Crescent, Stapleford.

Doran was later spotted in the Chilwell area and found to have in his possession a modified set of car keys, a multi-tool and an additional silver key tool.

After initially declining to answer any police questions, he later pleaded guilty to a charge of going equipped to steal.

Appearing at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday Doran, of Great Hoggett Drive, Chilwell, was jailed for 30 weeks – partly a result of him breaching a previous suspended sentence.

Sergeant Al Roper, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Vehicle crime is upsetting and expensive for victims and something we take extremely seriously.

“This was a really good bit of police work made possible by a timely call from a member of the public.

“I hope this case serves as a warning to not only to other offenders, but also to drivers to ensure their vehicles are left secure at all times.”